Archive for December, 2008

2008 was definitely the year of pear and lots of bubbly as well. So what flavor will we be sippin’ in ’09? Mango perhaps? It’s too soon to tell, but you can be sure Martini Talk will bring you the latest, tastiest cocktails in the new year. Here are my faves from 2008.

Looking for a last-minute holiday signature cocktail? How about mixin’ up a batch of coquitos. Also know as Puerto Rican egg nog, this creamy, coconut sip is insanely delicious and packs a big punch, which we all know is very much needed when a lot of time with the fam is on tap. One sip, and you’ll be singing Mele Kalikimaka in no time (even though that’s Hawaiian…).

Right not I’m in Kansas City on business, waiting to hop a plane to Chicago. There’s a good chance I’ll get stuck there since one of my flights today has already been canceled, and its major snowin’ in NY. But if that happens, I’m not worried. It’ll give be an excuse to finally go tiki!

There has been a lot of tiki talk lately on cocktail blogs and magazines. I’ve been meaning to get some tiki drinks up on Martini Talk, but haven’t had time to check out a real tiki bar myself. So if I get stuck in Chi-Town, it’s Mai Tai’s for me in at new outpost of Trader Vics. Otherwise, I promise to get some tasty recipes from New York up here soon. Stay tuned…

Pour all the liquids into a cocktail shaker. Fill it with ice and shake for about 30 seconds. Pour it all into a 16-ounce double old-fashioned glass. Garnish with lime slice, pineapple, and mint sprig.

My 2008 sip of choice? Champagne (more specifically, a little Veuve), and all the bubbly cocktails that go along with it. So I was so excited when Kim Haasarud’s101 Champagne Cocktails arrived in my mailbox. There are so many recipes that are perfect for the holiday season. Here are two to try:

AMONG the significant dates in the history of Kahlúa, the Mexican coffee liqueur, surely March 6, 1998, rates a mention. That was the release date of “The Big Lebowski,” the Coen Brothers movie about an aging slacker who calls himself the Dude, and who, after a thug urinates on his prized rug, becomes caught up in a Chandleresque mystery.

Played with slouchy brio by Jeff Bridges, the Dude’s chief pursuits involve bowling, avoiding work and drinking White Russians, the sweet cocktail made with vodka, Kahlúa and cream or milk.